Stay at home, say Nats MPs

The NSW Nationals in Government are asking people to put off non-essential travel between regional NSW towns and remote communities, telling them Easter holiday plans should be indefinitely postponed in line with the nationwide effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Deputy Premier and NSW Nationals Leader John Barilaro said he was worried…

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Exemptions for truckies at rest stops

The NSW Nationals have welcomed a common-sense exemption to keep freight moving, with restrictions on roadside eateries, truck driver lounges and rest stops eased. The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) and the National Cabinet approved an exemption for roadhouses, dedicated truck stop facilities and truck driver lounges to remain open so Australia’s heavy vehicle…

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Pat Conaghan

One-off payment for drought-affected farmers

Producers, farm workers and farm contractors and suppliers can now apply for a one-off $3000 payment through the Nationals in Government’s Drought Communities Support Initiative. Nationals Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said the Commonwealth had topped up funding for the program by $82.75 million last month and now the charity dispensing the payments had been…

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Foreign investment crackdown to protect the regions

Foreign investment review laws will be changed to ensure the interests of regional, rural and remote businesses are protected through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. All proposed foreign investments into Australia subject to the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 (the Act) will require approval, providing a significant protection for agricultural land. By bringing the threshold…

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Let common courtesy be infectious

NSW Nationals Leader and Deputy Premier John Barilaro says it’s important to stick together during tough times such as these, in this opinion piece below: This week a number of restrictions were announced. These restrictions are designed to prevent numbers of people gathering together. As we have seen throughout the world, leaders and countries are…

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Nats in Government supporting rural communities

Federal Parliament has passed important coronavirus economic support measures that will cushion the blow of the coronavirus for Australians, including those living in rural and regional areas. Nationals Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government Mark Coulton welcomed the news that Bills had passed Parliament on Monday night across two economic support packages…

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